MIBA Levante brings fire systems focus to Southern Italy market

by EventsFeatured News

Fire systems at the centre of MIBA Levante

MIBA Levante will debut in Bari on 18 and 19 November 2026, bringing together four building sector exhibitions including SICUREZZA, the Fiera Milano event focused on security and fire systems.

Fiera Milano has announced that the new event is a spin-off of MIBA – Milan International Building Alliance and will serve professionals from Southern Italy and the Mediterranean area.

The exhibition will take place at Nuova Fiera del Levante.

In odd-numbered years, MIBA in Milan brings together GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, MADE Expo, SICUREZZA and SMART BUILDING EXPO.

In even-numbered years, MIBA Levante will present an exhibition offer shaped around the needs of Southern Italy and the Mediterranean building stock.

SICUREZZA will make its Bari debut as part of that format.

The event will present solutions for access control, video surveillance, fire protection and passive protection.

It will also place attention on intrusion detection and connected systems.

Fire systems within a changing building market

According to Fiera Milano, data from CRESME shows that construction market production in Southern Italy exceeded €90 billion in 2025, with Puglia alone accounting for €18 billion.

That total represents about one third of the overall Italian market.

CRESME said the sector will face the substantial exhaustion of resources from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) from 2026.

Its analysis also points to uncertainty around tax incentives for building renovation and energy efficiency improvements.

Housing is identified as one of the key market themes in the coming years in Southern Italy and especially in Puglia.

Property transactions in Puglia have increased by 32% compared with 2019, against an Italian average of 27%.

MIBA Levante is set to focus on the energy and digital transition of the Mediterranean building stock in that context.

Education programme and the four-event format

Fiera Milano said the event will include training meetings and special events that allow professionals to obtain continuing education credits.

Workshops and conferences are being developed with the Polytechnic University of Bari and the University of Bari Aldo Moro.

The programme also involves MedisDIH, the Order of Engineers of the Province of Bari and international associations including Smart Buildings Alliance and the Engineering Association of Mediterranean Countries (EAMC).

EAMC has chosen MIBA Levante as the venue for its Convention on Decarbonization and Sustainability of the Built Environment in the Mediterranean.

Within Smart Building Levante, the Keep Zero Area will focus on sustainable construction and the new ITACA Puglia Protocol.

MIBA Levante also includes MADE Expo, SMART BUILDING LEVANTE and GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition.

The event is scheduled to take place in Bari at Nuova Fiera del Levante on 18 and 19 November 2026.

Global HSE Group appoints Dave Bartholomew to lead fire systems

by Breaking NewsSafety

Left: Dave Bartholomew, Right: Ross O’Loughlin

Appointment strengthens UK fire protection delivery

Global HSE Group has announced the appointment of Dave Bartholomew as its new Head of Active Fire Solutions.

According to Global HSE Group, the appointment supports the company’s development of fire protection systems for high-risk and complex buildings across the United Kingdom.

Bartholomew will be responsible for leading the design, specification, installation and commissioning of active fire protection systems.

His remit includes delivering full-service solutions from initial concept to client handover in line with UK regulations, including BS EN 12845, BS 9251 and B9999:2017.

The company said the appointment brings expertise in a wide range of technologies such as CPVC sprinklers, gas systems, water mist systems and fire, smoke and multi-function dampers.

Bartholomew to oversee system design and compliance

In his new role, Bartholomew will take responsibility for strategic development of Global HSE Group’s active fire protection services.

The company stated that he will manage the delivery of systems that comply with British fire safety standards and meet client performance requirements.

The position covers the end-to-end lifecycle of fire systems, including technical design, product selection, regulatory alignment and installation.

According to Global HSE Group, Bartholomew’s technical scope will include system commissioning and structured handover processes.

The business said this approach ensures consistent service quality and legal compliance across projects in complex and high-risk settings.

Experience in international and high-risk fire protection

Before joining Global HSE Group, Bartholomew was Chief Executive Officer and owner of the Chrinica Group.

He held this position from 2003 to 2024, during which time he led the business in delivering fire safety projects across the African continent.

Chrinica Group’s work under Bartholomew’s leadership included supply chain management, system design, installation and ongoing maintenance.

He is certified as a Fire Suppression Commissioner and Fire Detection Commissioner under the SAQCC.

Bartholomew also holds recognised qualifications as a Fire Damper and Smoke Damper Inspector.

Global HSE Group leadership welcomes new appointment

Ross O’Loughlin, Director and Head of Global Technical Services at Global HSE Group, welcomed the new appointment.

O’Loughlin said: “Bringing Dave Bartholomew into our growing team marks a significant milestone for Global. He has over two decades of active fire experience, particularly in developing robust fire solutions for the most challenging environments.
“Dave’s proven ability to manage complex projects end-to-end, coupled with his uncompromising commitment to regulatory compliance and client satisfaction, will directly enhance our offering and deliver even greater value to our clients navigating their building’s fire safety requirements.”

Bartholomew also commented on his new role at the company.

He said: “I am thrilled to join Global HSE Group, a company renowned for its dedication to excellence and its ‘Do It Right’ attitude to fire safety.
“I look forward to collaborating with such a talented team and leveraging my experience to contribute to the company’s continued growth, to enhance the active fire solutions offering and support clients in achieving their fire safety objectives.”

UK projects targeted for fire systems growth

Global HSE Group said the appointment forms part of its strategy to expand specialist fire systems delivery in the United Kingdom.

The company said its fire systems division provides services to a wide range of sectors and environments where enhanced suppression systems are required.

This includes sites with complex building layouts, high-value assets or critical operational dependencies.

By appointing a dedicated leader for this area, the company aims to develop both its technical approach and client service delivery.

The company confirmed that Bartholomew’s appointment is effective immediately.

Global HSE Group appoints Dave Bartholomew to lead fire systems: Summary

Global HSE Group has appointed Dave Bartholomew as Head of Active Fire Solutions.

The company said he will lead fire system design, development, installation and commissioning.

Bartholomew was previously CEO and owner of Chrinica Group.

He has over 20 years of experience in fire protection across Africa and the UK.

His qualifications include SAQCC Fire Suppression and Detection Commissioner status.

He is also certified as a Fire Damper and Smoke Damper Inspector.

Global HSE Group said his role will support UK delivery of high-risk fire safety systems.

Ross O’Loughlin said Bartholomew will strengthen client delivery and regulatory compliance.

Bartholomew said he looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth.

The appointment is effective from July 2025.

Creating a fire-safe future, with Advanced

by Breaking NewsSafety

Matt Jones, Head of UK Sales for Advanced, discusses fire systems and the importance of seamless integration 

The scale and nature of today’s fire risks are rapidly changing, fuelled by factors including urbanisation, climate change and increased use of battery-powered equipment. The need to meet these challenges is driving a wave of technological advancements among fire safety equipment manufacturers. 

A wide range of the latest solutions will be on display at The Fire Safety Event 2025, taking place from 8-10 April at the NEC in Birmingham, England. 

Advanced will be at the exhibition (Stand D85, Hall 4) showcasing the future of fire safety through its AdvancedLive smart monitoring and management platform available on the next-generation, multiprotocol MxPro 5 panels. The team will also be explaining the importance of the EvacGo evacuation alert system for high-rise residential buildings.  

The role of digital fire system management 

Recent updates to fire safety legislation, including the Building Safety Act 2022, have placed increased duties on facilities managers (FMs) and Responsible Persons.  

A report by health, safety, and property compliance firm William Martin found a 53% rise in fire safety actions between April 2023 and March 2024 (1), highlighting the growing need for smarter, more efficient fire safety management tools that support compliance while simplifying daily operations. 

AdvancedLive – Smart fire safety  

Available exclusively in the UK and Ireland, AdvancedLive is a cloud-based fire system monitoring and control platform. It provides real-time oversight of fire alarm systems, allowing users to verify status, receive instant alerts about events needing attention, and review historical data, using any internet-enabled device.

Designed with an intuitive interface, AdvancedLive makes the fire system easier to understand and supports facilities staff in responding to incidents swiftly and efficiently. 

AdvancedLive offers both list and map-based views, enabling rapid identification of fire alarms, faults, or disabled devices whatever the scale and complexity of site.

Bringing entire fire systems together in one platform is a game-changer.

Matt Jones

It improves safety by allowing faster response times, reduces manual reporting tasks, enhances compliance tracking, and minimises unnecessary callouts. Additionally, its ability to store historical data supports predictive maintenance, helping to prevent issues before they escalate. 

A key advantage of AdvancedLive is the ease with which it can be set up on next-generation MxPro 5 fire panels via the in-built Ethernet port. This connectivity ensures that users can check system status, identify faults and take action remotely.

The ability to monitor live data from multiple locations simultaneously makes AdvancedLive ideal for managing large estates or multi-building sites. By reducing unnecessary site visits and streamlining fault resolution, AdvancedLive can lower operational costs too.  

The platform is also secure, featuring multi-level user access controls so that only authorised personnel can view and manage critical fire system information. Every action is logged and traceable, providing full accountability and supporting compliance with fire safety regulations. 

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Blists Hill Victorian Town Museum in Ironbridge Gorge has modernised its fire safety management with AdvancedLive, providing real-time monitoring and simplified control across its extensive historical site. 

The museum, which features buildings moved brick by brick from across the region, needed a solution that would enhance fire safety without disrupting daily operations.

Matt Jones

Seven separate Advanced MxPro 5 panels, connected via AdvancedLive, create a virtual network that allows the museum’s security and facilities teams to monitor the entire site from any internet-enabled device. 

Ross Davidson, Visitor Engagement Manager at Blists Hill, said: “The new system allows us to locate and identify the source of any activation much quicker, meaning we can minimise disruption to our visitor experience.” 

Next-Gen MxPro 5: Power, flexibility and seamless integration 

Advanced’s next-generation MxPro 5 fire panel is powerful, adaptable and allows AdvancedLive connectivity via its in-built Ethernet port. With eight times more processing power than previous models, MxPro 5 offers faster response times, enhanced configuration capabilities and improved power efficiency. As an open-protocol panel, it supports a wide range of detector protocols, including Apollo Core, for greater system design flexibility. 

Additionally, MxPro 5 includes false alarm management capabilities that help prevent unnecessary evacuations, a valuable feature for buildings where unwanted alarms can be costly and highly disruptive, such as hotels, educational institutions and office complexes.  

EvacGo: Supporting safe high-rise evacuations 

With increased concern around high-rise fire safety, particularly in response to updated regulations in England and Scotland, EvacGo provides a critical solution for controlled evacuations in residential buildings. Fully compliant with BS 8629, this evacuation alert system is designed for use by fire and rescue services to facilitate phased evacuations in emergencies. 

Each EvacGo panel is custom-built according to a building’s evacuation zones, featuring clear toggle switches and LED indicators for easy operation by firefighters. The system’s design ensures that evacuation strategies can be implemented quickly and effectively, helping to protect residents in the event of a fire.  

The benefits of remote fire system management 

Investing in smart fire safety solutions pays: 

  • Improved safety – Real-time notifications enable quicker response times, minimising risks to people and property. 
  • Time savings – Remote access allows users to check system status without the need for on-site visits. 
  • Cost reduction – Advance warning of issues reduces false alarms, unnecessary callouts, and manual compliance reporting costs. 
  • User-friendly interface – Designed for non-technical users, ensuring facilities teams can operate the system with ease. 
  • Data security & integrity – Role-based access controls and audit logs support regulatory compliance and system security. 
  • Sustainability – Reducing unnecessary site visits lowers carbon emissions and overall environmental impact. 

Learn more at The Fire Safety Event 2025 

Visitors to Stand D85 at The Fire Safety Event will have the chance to see AdvancedLive, MxPro 5, and EvacGo in action.  

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Advanced welcomes Fire Safety Specialist Shadi Elhag to the Middle East team

by Featured NewsPeople

Shadi Elhag has joined the Advanced team as Business Development Manager for the Middle East. Shadi’s appointment marks Advanced’s commitment to fostering strong customer relationships and driving growth in this critical region.

Shadi Elhag’s background

Shadi brings a wealth of experience in fire safety and compliance, having previously held key roles in the industry. Most recently, he worked at UL Solutions, where he supported the adoption of UL safety standards across the Middle East.

Shadi also has an extensive background in technical sales and fire suppression systems, with a proven track record of fostering strong customer relationships and delivering results.

Based in Riyadh, Shadi will focus on building and nurturing relationships with end users, consultants, and system integrators.

His role will be pivotal in promoting Advanced’s fire detection and alarm solutions, including Axis AX and Axis EN, which are designed to meet the diverse needs of the Middle East market.

Business Development Manager for Advanced’s Middle East Team, Shadi Elhag’s statement

Shadi said: “I am thrilled to join Advanced, a company known for its exceptional product quality and innovative approach. My goal is to ensure we continue to deliver reliable fire safety solutions that enhance both protection and compliance for our customers.

“I’m looking forward to working with a talented team and contributing to Advanced’s mission of creating a safer future.”

Advanced’s General Manager for Fire Systems in the Middle East, Sasi Kumar’s statement

Sasi Kumar, Advanced’s General Manager for Fire Systems in the Middle East, welcomed the new addition, stating: “We are delighted to have Shadi on board. His extensive knowledge of fire safety systems and dedication to understanding customer needs will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East.”

Shadi Elhag announced as Advanced’s Business Development Manager for the Middle East Team: Summary

Shadi Elhag is joining the Advanced team as Business Development Manager for the Middle East. With a focus on building relationships and a wealth of experience in fire safety and compliance, Shadi will offer his expertise to Advanced’s mission of creating a safer future.

Review of fire systems installation work in Western Australia underway

by Featured NewsSafety

State government reviews fire systems regulations

Building and Energy is examining the regulation of fire systems installation work in Western Australia as part of the State Government’s response to recommended building reforms.

The review will focus on regulation in apartment, commercial, and industrial buildings.

It will consider the installation and testing of hose reels, hydrants, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, alarms, exit lighting, and passive fire-rated construction elements required by building codes.

Examination of compliance and stakeholder feedback

Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan highlighted the complexity of regulating fire systems due to the involvement of multiple regulatory frameworks: “We will examine evidence of any non-compliance with the current installation and testing requirements for these critical building fire systems.”

The review process will include two forums this winter to gather feedback from industry, unions, and other stakeholders.

The review will progress through several phases, aligning with the State Government’s commitment to effective regulatory design.

More information is available in the Review Paper.

Response to the Building Confidence Report

The project is part of the State Government’s broader response to the Building Confidence Report, which recommended improvements to building regulation across Australia.

The WA response has included a code of conduct for building surveyors, a registration scheme for building engineers, including fire safety engineers, and the Building Better decision paper on significant reforms to WA’s building regulatory framework.

The State Government is actively working to implement these reforms to enhance the safety and compliance of building practices in Western Australia.